The NFL heard Peyton Manning's complaints and responded with additional tweaks to the new umpire rule.

All 32 teams were told in a memo from the league Tuesday that the umpire will now position himself 12 yards from the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped instead of approximately 15 yards, which was used during the preseason.

Also, the head linesman or line judge can signal when the ball can be snapped instead of having quarterbacks checking with referees. And the umpire must only be beyond the deepest running back - not established in position - before the ball can be snapped.

The changes should make it easier for teams to use the no-huddle offense throughout the game, and satisfy Manning, who expressed his frustration with the rules change following an Aug. 26 loss at Green Bay.

"The one (illegal snap) on me I thought was ridiculous, down there by the goal line when you're snapping the ball to keep them from potentially getting a replay," Manning said then. "Also, they (umpires) are unsettled. To throw a 5-yard penalty is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. So I think that's one thing that will be re-evaluated - at least a do-over of some sort, or a warning. But a 5-yard penalty? That's ridiculous."

Apparently the league agreed.

Officials will now have the discretion to issue a warning before enforcing the 5-yard penalty for an illegal snap. Clear violations, the memo said, will continue to be penalized without a warning.

Umpires also will move to the middle of the defense, their old position, during the final two minutes of the first half, the final five minutes of the game and when the offense is at, or inside, the opponent's 5-yard line. That's a change from just last week when the NFL decided to place umpires in their previous spot for the final five minutes of each half.

In March, the league cited safety concerns as the reason for moving umpires behind the deepest running back. It cited statistics that showed a significant increase in the number of collisions and injuries incurred by umpires.

"It reached the point where the league office thought that the physical danger out there and the safety of the umpire was becoming an issue, so we changed his position," Colts president Bill Polian said Aug. 28. "We recognized that there would be, A, mechanical issues, and B, issues with respect to certain penalties that might or might not be called based upon the new position."

But after Manning insisted changes were needed, Polian told reporters they were solvable.

Now the four-time league MVP and Polian are willing to see if this works.

"We'll see," Manning said last week during the annual bowling tournament he hosts to raise money for the Peyback Foundation.

The league said referees and umpires will meet Friday in Dallas to review the preseason and the mechanics of the changes to the umpire rule. The officials being used in Thursday night's season opener will review the material during a conference call this week.

Manning was not available Tuesday, the Colts' regular off-day, but is expected to comment on the changes Wednesday. Polian did not immediately respond to an interview request left with the team's public relations staff Tuesday.

blaise

09-08-2010, 12:23 PM

Matt Cassel commented that he doesn't care if the umpire is 12 or 15 yards from the line of scrimmage since his passes will all be much shorter than that anyway.

Buns

09-08-2010, 12:25 PM

I still like the change, the refs seem to have gotten in the way more and more over the years and Castle needs less things he can throw the ball into.

FAX

09-08-2010, 12:25 PM

And here I was thinking that my hatred for Manning could not grow.

The dude is like kudzu.

FAX

JD10367

09-08-2010, 12:27 PM

As much of a douchebag as Peyton can be, he does have a point when it comes to the intentional quick-snap and the no-huddle. Hard to run the no-huddle when you're waiting for a fatass old guy to jog to his position.

Claysexual

09-08-2010, 12:28 PM

Well, as long as Payton is happy/Hootie.

DaFace

09-08-2010, 12:29 PM

I don't really mind the changes in and of themselves, but the fact that Manning spoke and the league immediately made a change is pretty lame.

KCrockaholic

09-08-2010, 12:37 PM

Fuck you Peyton. Go fuckin cry to your daddy.

chiefsnorth

09-08-2010, 12:37 PM

I think he is correct. The right change was made so I don't really care who it was that complained the loudest.

DaneMcCloud

09-08-2010, 12:43 PM

Manning was of course, correct.

The main reason for the change was to avoid collisions between players and umpires. The rule change actually changed the play on the field, which is never a good thing.

I'm glad he spoke up about it.

And the haters?

:shake:

JFC.

Mr. Laz

09-08-2010, 12:45 PM

As much of a douchebag as Peyton can be, he does have a point when it comes to the intentional quick-snap and the no-huddle. Hard to run the no-huddle when you're waiting for a fatass old guy to jog to his position.
who gives a shit

you could also say that his quick snap bullshit is unfair

Red Brooklyn

09-08-2010, 12:47 PM

Manning was of course, correct.

The main reason for the change was to avoid collisions between players and umpires. The rule change actually changed the play on the field, which is never a good thing.

I'm glad he spoke up about it.

And the haters?

:shake:

JFC.

Guys, Dane's right.

KCUnited

09-08-2010, 12:49 PM

Forehead conclusion that this was going to get reversed.

Mr. Laz

09-08-2010, 12:51 PM

Guys, Dane's right.
you still have a little bit there on your chin

no,no ... lower

on the left

almost

over there

yea

got it

Red Brooklyn

09-08-2010, 12:52 PM

you still have a little bit there on your chin

no,no ... lower

on the left

almost

over there

yea

got it

Thanks. That would have been embarrassing.

luv

09-08-2010, 12:55 PM

I don't really mind the changes in and of themselves, but the fact that Manning spoke and the league immediately made a change is pretty lame.

Well, had anyone else spoken up before him?

jspchief

09-08-2010, 01:02 PM

"The one (illegal snap) on me I thought was ridiculous, down there by the goal line when you're snapping the ball to keep them from potentially getting a replay," Manning said then.

I'm sorry, but I have a hard time feeling sorry for him when he's clearly trying to dodge the spirit of instant replay rules. I realize that all teams do it, but the idea that you have a right to snap the ball quick enough to keep the refs from getting a call right is ludicrous.

And the people hate him not because he complains like probably many other players would, but because when he complains the NFL changes the rules to suit him. And the Oreo licking contest. That alone warrants being despised.

jspchief

09-08-2010, 01:03 PM

Well, had anyone else spoken up before him?Hard to say. QB Jesus is the only one that makes headlines every time his vagina bruises.

DBOSHO

09-08-2010, 01:07 PM

Lol peyton is gay.

Red Brooklyn

09-08-2010, 01:14 PM

Hard to say. QB Jesus is the only one that makes headlines every time his vagina bruises.

Can we please keep Tim Tebow out of one goddamn thread. :D

Deberg_1990

09-08-2010, 01:15 PM

The main reason for the change was to avoid collisions between players and umpires. The rule change actually changed the play on the field, which is never a good thing.

The Umps move back to the middle of the defense the final two minutes of the first half, the final five minutes of the game and when the offense is at, or inside, the opponent's 5-yard line.

So its ok to protect the ump sometimes, but not all the time??

DaFace

09-08-2010, 01:22 PM

Well, had anyone else spoken up before him?

Who knows? Most people don't get their way when they whine to the league, so a lot of them probably don't try. Peyton has a history of getting his way with things like this, so he's probably more willing to voice his opinions.

Deberg_1990

09-08-2010, 01:25 PM

I wonder what would have happned if it had been Matt Cassel complaining?

jspchief

09-08-2010, 01:30 PM

I wonder what would have happned if it had been Matt Cassel complaining?The refs would've laughed as they gave him a wedgie.

DaneMcCloud

09-08-2010, 01:34 PM

The Umps move back to the middle of the defense the final two minutes of the first half, the final five minutes of the game and when the offense is at, or inside, the opponent's 5-yard line.

So its ok to protect the ump sometimes, but not all the time??

How many collisions between the umpires and players occur each season?

I know the answer. Do you?

jspchief

09-08-2010, 01:43 PM

How many collisions between the umpires and players occur each season?

I know the answer. Do you?I don't know the answer. But I have to wonder why they made a rule if they didn't feel it was an issue.

Hays

09-08-2010, 01:46 PM

I agree with Manning, I was watching that game and it took the offense out of rhythm as they could not do a no huddle offense. Pretty stupid that the ref had to be set before you can hike the ball.

Deberg_1990

09-08-2010, 01:47 PM

How many collisions between the umpires and players occur each season?

I know the answer. Do you?

Approx. 100 last year.

DaneMcCloud

09-08-2010, 01:56 PM

I don't know the answer. But I have to wonder why they made a rule if they didn't feel it was an issue.

There are about a hundred collisions per year, which averages out to one every three games. Rarely are the injuries serious.

Rather than change the game, the NFL should require protective gear for the umpires, which I think is a much better solution.

Require them to wear a helmet or shoulder pads and even knee or elbow pads.

The result of this rule change was unintended, therefore, it's a bad rule, despite the dislike of its most vocal opponent.

BigMeatballDave

09-08-2010, 01:57 PM

Matt Cassel commented that he doesn't care if the umpire is 12 or 15 yards from the line of scrimmage since his passes will all be much shorter than that anyway.:D

007

09-08-2010, 02:09 PM

Peyton was right to bitch about it though. That was a screwed up setup they had.

eazyb81

09-08-2010, 02:11 PM

Good change, the rule was lame anyways.

Manning haters are hilarious. The guy will end up as the best QB of all-time.

It's like hating Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth.

FAX

09-08-2010, 02:18 PM

Good change, the rule was lame anyways.

Manning haters are hilarious. The guy will end up as the best QB of all-time.

It's like hating Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth.

No ... it's like hating the kid banjo player from Deliverance.

Just because an inbred, asshole-licking, whining, cheating dipstick has a particular skill, doesn't mean he's immune to objective analysis.

FAX

Deberg_1990

09-08-2010, 02:20 PM

Manning haters are hilarious. The guy will end up as the best QB of all-time.

IM not really a hater of his. I think hes great. But he wont be best of all time..not when he has flubs in big games like the SB last year.

keg in kc

09-08-2010, 02:23 PM

It's a rule that was going to screw with the flow of the game for everybody, not just manning, so I'm glad they're adjusting on the fly.

Claysexual

09-08-2010, 02:38 PM

No ... it's like hating the kid banjo player from Deliverance.

Just because an inbred, asshole-licking, whining, cheating dipstick has a particular skill, doesn't mean he's immune to objective analysis.

FAX

FAX The Correct.

eazyb81

09-08-2010, 02:46 PM

No ... it's like hating the kid banjo player from Deliverance.

Just because an inbred, asshole-licking, whining, cheating dipstick has a particular skill, doesn't mean he's immune to objective analysis.

FAX

Haters gonna hate I guess.

Manning is the best football player of my generation. I love watching the guy dissect defenses like a brain surgeon.

FAX

09-08-2010, 03:04 PM

Haters gonna hate I guess.

Manning is the best football player of my generation. I love watching the guy dissect defenses like a brain surgeon.

I'm not generally a hater, Mr. eazyb81 ... at least, not one with a capital "H".

However, Manning has been cheating since he came into the league while the NFL and their officials have ignored his chiseling-ass ways simply because he's a media darling whose endorsements help sell game advertising.

For example, according to the NFL's own rulebook (the one they use for all the other teams), the offense must be set prior to the snap of the ball for a minimum of 1 second. This includes (or is supposed to include) the quarterback. A violation of this rule is supposed to result in a false start penalty.

Manning, however, can jog in frigging circles non-stop without getting called. Not only that, but he can extend his arms into the neutral zone, walk back and forth, do a little dance, drop trou, and jiggle his nuts at the cheerleaders ... all immediately prior to the snap and without getting called for an infraction.

To me, this is favorable treatment. However, if you wish to admire and idolize a cheating, connatural, sandbagging, asswipe of a doofus, please feel free to do so.

FAX

Mr. Laz

09-08-2010, 03:10 PM

I agree with Manning, I was watching that game and it took the offense out of rhythm as they could not do a no huddle offense. Pretty stupid that the ref had to be set before you can hike the ball.
i think the pitchers in baseball should be able to throw the ball as soon as the hitters foot touches the batter's box too.

it's lame that the pitcher has to wait until the batter is ready

kickoffs shouldn't need to wait for the whistle just kick that shit and go

mikey23545

09-08-2010, 03:43 PM

I'm not generally a hater, Mr. eazyb81 ... at least, not one with a capital "H".

However, Manning has been cheating since he came into the league while the NFL and their officials have ignored his chiseling-ass ways simply because he's a media darling whose endorsements help sell game advertising.

For example, according to the NFL's own rulebook (the one they use for all the other teams), the offense must be set prior to the snap of the ball for a minimum of 1 second. This includes (or is supposed to include) the quarterback. A violation of this rule is supposed to result in a false start penalty.

Manning, however, can jog in frigging circles non-stop without getting called. Not only that, but he can extend his arms into the neutral zone, walk back and forth, do a little dance, drop trou, and jiggle his nuts at the cheerleaders ... all immediately prior to the snap and without getting called for an infraction.

To me, this is favorable treatment. However, if you wish to admire and idolize a cheating, connatural, sandbagging, asswipe of a doofus, please feel free to do so.

FAX

LMAO...rep

OnTheWarpath15

09-08-2010, 03:52 PM

The rule was stupid to begin with, and should have been changed regardless of who bitched about it.

I gotta say, this place doesn't disappoint. Mention Peyton Manning, and all the sandy vags come out of the woodwork.

FAX

09-08-2010, 03:58 PM

Manning lovers.

... tells you a lot about people and their sense of honor and fair play and rightness.

FAX

vailpass

09-08-2010, 03:59 PM

If Peyton was QB on my team I'd think him TCB was pretty cool.

eazyb81

09-08-2010, 04:20 PM

Manning lovers.

... tells you a lot about people and their sense of honor and fair play and rightness.

FAX

Manning haters.

... tells you a lot about how pathetically jealous people are in sports and life in general.

FAX

09-08-2010, 04:28 PM

Manning haters.

... tells you a lot about how pathetically jealous people are in sports and life in general.

How about the obvious interception your stinking, cheating, inbred, hero threw to Troy Polamalualululualu a few years ago that was ruled "incomplete"? You know, the one that everybody in the entire world knew was a total bullcrap call and proved once and for all that the NFL "officials" were trying to ensure a Colts win against the Steelers and a trip to the AFC Championship game?

Was Troy Polamalualululualu pathetically jealous about life in general?

How about the obvious interception your stinking, cheating, inbred, hero threw to Troy Polamalualululualu a few years ago that was ruled "incomplete"? You know, the one that everybody in the entire world knew was a total bullcrap call and proved once and for all that the NFL "officials" were trying to ensure a Colts win against the Steelers and a trip to the AFC Championship game?

Was Troy Polamalualululualu pathetically jealous about life in general?

FAX

First, how is that botched call Manning's fault?

Second, I would be shocked if Polamalu had a fraction of the hate for Manning that you and others in this thread do. So no, he is not pathetically jealous about life in general.

Great players often get their fair share of calls - look at MJ, Kobe, Pujols, Jeter, etc.

If that ticks you off so much, fine, so be it. I just think it's weird to have an absolute hatred for someone that is:

1. absolutely one of the best that's ever played his sport, and

2. all in all, a seemingly good guy that has never had trouble with the law, coaches, or players.

DaneMcCloud

09-08-2010, 04:38 PM

The rule was stupid to begin with, and should have been changed regardless of who bitched about it.

I gotta say, this place doesn't disappoint. Mention Peyton Manning, and all the sandy vags come out of the woodwork.

It's like fucking clockwork around here.

Let's not discuss ruining the integrity of the game, let's hate on Peyton Manning and the fact that even though he's one of the best QB's in NFL history, he's big and ugly and does Oreo cookie commercials.

FAX

09-08-2010, 04:46 PM

First, how is that botched call Manning's fault?

Second, I would be shocked if Polamalu had a fraction of the hate for Manning that you and others in this thread do. So no, he is not pathetically jealous about life in general.

Great players often get their fair share of calls - look at MJ, Kobe, Pujols, Jeter, etc.

If that ticks you off so much, fine, so be it. I just think it's weird to have an absolute hatred for someone that is:

1. absolutely one of the best that's ever played his sport, and

2. all in all, a seemingly good guy that has never had trouble with the law, coaches, or players.

After the game, Troy Polamalualululualu knew he was jobbed by the Official Manning Helpers. And, it wasn't one of those split-second, heat-of-battle judgment calls of which great players get their "share", either. It was a replay review which Mike Pereira (the then NFL's Vice President of Officiating) later acknowledged was a totally blown call in order to try and save face for the league.

I'm sorry, Mr. eazyb81, but your idol is a cheating, slithering, oozeball of evil who leaves a trail of slime behind him wherever he goes.

Oh, and did I mention Manning's big, fat head?

FAX

LaChapelle

09-08-2010, 04:51 PM

It may have more to do with Tebow's delivery

Crush

09-08-2010, 04:56 PM

Manning will never be the GOAT. Elway and Montana are the only legitimate candidates.
Posted via Mobile Device

Frazod

09-08-2010, 04:59 PM

Good change, the rule was lame anyways.

Manning haters are hilarious. The guy will end up as the best QB of all-time.

It's like hating Michael Jordan or Babe Ruth.

Or John Elway?

JD10367

09-08-2010, 04:59 PM

Bashing of the Great Gazoo makes me feel like this:

http://www.hecklerspray.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/palpatine.jpg

Valiant

09-08-2010, 04:59 PM

I'm not generally a hater, Mr. eazyb81 ... at least, not one with a capital "H".

However, Manning has been cheating since he came into the league while the NFL and their officials have ignored his chiseling-ass ways simply because he's a media darling whose endorsements help sell game advertising.

For example, according to the NFL's own rulebook (the one they use for all the other teams), the offense must be set prior to the snap of the ball for a minimum of 1 second. This includes (or is supposed to include) the quarterback. A violation of this rule is supposed to result in a false start penalty.

Manning, however, can jog in frigging circles non-stop without getting called. Not only that, but he can extend his arms into the neutral zone, walk back and forth, do a little dance, drop trou, and jiggle his nuts at the cheerleaders ... all immediately prior to the snap and without getting called for an infraction.

To me, this is favorable treatment. However, if you wish to admire and idolize a cheating, connatural, sandbagging, asswipe of a doofus, please feel free to do so.

FAX

I see most QBs do that so I don't have an issue with it.. Manning just over-exaggerates his movements doing it..

Of course he is going to champion the cause, he uses the no-huddle probably the most.. NFL is not going to listen to suckass Matt Cassel if he said something..

Wish a couple more star players on defense would bitch and hopefully get some stupid rules changed.. I want to see pushoffs period on both sides get a flag past the five yard mark.. Offensive players should not be able to stiffarm to the facemask, helmet or chest only..

DaFace

09-08-2010, 05:05 PM

It's like fucking clockwork around here.

Let's not discuss ruining the integrity of the game, let's hate on Peyton Manning and the fact that even though he's one of the best QB's in NFL history, he's big and ugly and does Oreo cookie commercials.

I don't buy that. You could argue that EVERY rule change "ruins the integrity of the game." All the roughing the passer stuff they've done recently makes it tough on defenders to make a play. Illegal contact heavily favors the WR's. Pass interference rules heavily favor the offense. Even the "wedge" rule they put in place this year makes it so that long returns are more difficult.

The only difference here is that it directly affects the QB, and really impacts one of the league's best-known players due to his style of offense. If it was another rule that hindered the corners, you'd have never heard about it.

Rule changes affect the game. There's no way around that. Most of the time, teams adjust. Sometimes, they whine until they get things changed back.

boogblaster

09-08-2010, 05:07 PM

who cares ...

DaneMcCloud

09-08-2010, 05:16 PM

I don't buy that. You could argue that EVERY rule change "ruins the integrity of the game." All the roughing the passer stuff they've done recently makes it tough on defenders to make a play. Illegal contact heavily favors the WR's. Pass interference rules heavily favor the offense. Even the "wedge" rule they put in place this year makes it so that long returns are more difficult.

The only difference here is that it directly affects the QB, and really impacts one of the league's best-known players due to his style of offense. If it was another rule that hindered the corners, you'd have never heard about it.

Rule changes affect the game. There's no way around that. Most of the time, teams adjust. Sometimes, they whine until they get things changed back.

Bullshit.

This rule change wasn't intended to change the integrity of the game or the flow of the game or ANYTHING RELATED TO THE GAME.

It was intended to reduce the number of player-umpire collisions. That's it.

It inadvertently changed the game, which is WHY the rule altered.

DaFace

09-08-2010, 05:52 PM

Bullshit.

This rule change wasn't intended to change the integrity of the game or the flow of the game or ANYTHING RELATED TO THE GAME.

It was intended to reduce the number of player-umpire collisions. That's it.

It inadvertently changed the game, which is WHY the rule altered.

The wedge rule was meant to reduce blocker concussions. It's in the same boat. For that matter, so is the "roughing the QB" thing. Both are rules that are purely meant for safety reasons, but have clearly altered the game and how players approach it.

Claysexual

09-08-2010, 06:17 PM

It's like fucking clockwork around here.

Let's not discuss ruining the integrity of the game, let's hate on Peyton Manning and the fact that even though he's one of the best QB's in NFL history, he's big and ugly and does Oreo cookie commercials.

Works for me.:evil:

Chiefs Pantalones

09-08-2010, 06:22 PM

I like Manning but he is definitely a bitch.

tk13

09-08-2010, 07:35 PM

Let's not discuss ruining the integrity of the game, let's hate on Peyton Manning and the fact that even though he's one of the best QB's in NFL history, he's big and ugly and does Oreo cookie commercials.

You got that right. No way I'm going to support that knucklehead. A real QB would've signed on with Hydrox.